Chen Lou ’11
Current role: Master of Management Studies candidate at Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
Class year: 2012 (Middlebury College: 2011)
Major: Management Studies (Middlebury College: International Politics & Economics)
Where did your interest come from to pursue this program? I want to pursue a career in business, preferably in finance. First, this program shares the same resources with MBA students at Fuqua, such as professors, career-related information, etc. Second, this program targets towards students who do not have work experience, and most of them come from a liberal arts background. I consider this program as a perfect fit for my career goal.
What career opportunities are you looking to pursue after graduation from this program? I am looking into opportunities in finance, investment management to be specific.
How are you using your Middlebury degree? First, quick learning skills at Middlebury allow me to catch up quickly; even I didn’t take any accounting/finance related courses before. Second, my study abroad experience and my language skills that I had during my Middlebury experience differentiate me from other students in the program. Third, Middlebury alumni are still very helpful during my career searching process.
How will you use your program degree and your Middlebury degree in your future career? An IPE major gives me a global perspective and understanding to the world, and the MMS degree provides me with more specific business training that will be necessary in my future career.
What experience should a college student obtain to be marketable?
I consider study abroad a very valuable experience. Having the experience to be open and expose to different culture, and quickly adapt into it is a great skill to business. Also, internship experiences are also helpful for a college student to be marketable.
What skills do you think a person needs to be successful in your program?
Learn quickly and be open to changes. The program is very fast-paced, and lots of subjects are new to me. Also, good communication skills will allow you to be successful both in and out of the classroom. MMS focuses a lot on teamwork experience, and I think it will be hard to work with a team if a person doesn’t have good communication skills.
What skills are you gaining in your program that you will then apply to a career? First, quantitative skills I learned in Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance will certainly be helpful if I want to enter in finance. Second, professional and business communication skills both in writing and speaking will help me further in the business world. Last, career related workshops and symposiums will not only help me to be successful at my first job, but will be useful in the long run.
What do you like best/least about your program?
Definitely the people in my program, since the program itself has only 100 or so people, and everyone becomes close to each other very quickly. It is a very diverse, dynamic, and interesting group.
What does an average day or week look like for you?
Monday: Two classes, each 2 hour and 15 minutes
Tuesday: One Class
Wednesday: Career Day (also have Review Sessions for Classes)
Thursday: Same as Monday
Friday: Same as Tuesday, with Fuqua Friday in the evening to network with other Fuqua students. But I also spend a lot of time attending information sessions during the recruiting season, and reach to alumni. Adding up to various kinds of events and workshops, mock interviews, and so on. One can be quite busy during the week.
What books, web sites, or other resources should students take advantage of now to learn about the graduate school?
MMS Website: http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/other_programs/
mms_foundations_of_business/
MMS Student Blog:
http://www.lukeatduke.com/
What do you think is the next step in your career plan?
I plan to keep reaching out to alumni to find out about more off-campus recruiting opportunities.